Sana'a - (Saba):
The Government of Change and Construction faced numerous challenges last week amid escalating U.S. and Israeli aggression. It exerted significant efforts to overcome these challenges and mitigate their impact on citizens.
In the context of confronting the American aggression against our country and defending the oppressed Palestinian people, the armed forces targeted the Lod "Ben Gurion" airport in the occupied Jaffa area and "Ramon" airport in the Umm al-Rashrash area in southern occupied Palestine, and a vital target for the Zionist enemy in occupied Jaffa, the American aircraft carrier "Truman" and a number of its warships.
The Republic of Yemen is waging the battle of "the promised conquest and holy jihad" in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza, based on its humanitarian, moral and religious principles. The Government of Change and Reconstruction said in a statement, "Yemen is active in the battle and is hurting the enemy. Its military capabilities are developing with every aggression. We cannot stand by and watch the Israeli-American enemy commit the crime of genocide in Gaza, and we cannot turn a blind eye to their attempts to impose the equation of violating the nation, starting with Lebanon and Syria."
Historic victory
The operations of the armed forces, their response to aggression, and the military achievements they have achieved, including the downing of American drones and F-18 aircraft. Targeting American aircraft carriers and their naval assets forced the US to halt its aggression after failing to achieve its military objectives.
According to the spokesman for the Government of Change and Construction, Minister of Information Hashem Sharaf al-Din, this victory represented a major shift in the balance of power in favor of Yemen, which was able to compel America to halt its aggression and cease its attacks. One of the immediate results of this victory was the growing leadership role and international influence of Sana'a, which spearheaded this victory and demonstrated its ability to confront major powers.
ban on Israeli air navigation
Last week, the armed forces announced a comprehensive ban on air travel to and from Israeli airports, most notably Lod Airport, known in Israel as Ben Gurion Airport, in response to the Israeli escalation and expansion of operations in Gaza.
Accordingly, the Humanitarian Coordination Centre (HOCC) directed Official notifications have been issued to civil aviation authorities and international airlines regarding the high risks to air navigation at Israeli airports, given the security risks that include ongoing missile attacks.
Confronting the repercussions of aggression on infrastructure
Following the US-Israeli aggression on Sana'a Airport, the ports of Hodeida and Ras Issa, the Bajil and Amran cement factories, and power stations and transformers in the capital, Sana'a, the government mobilized efforts to rehabilitate the airport and ports and resume services.
Engineering and technical personnel have begun rehabilitating the damaged docks at Hodeida Port at an accelerated pace, aiming to complete the project within a short period of time, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods.
Despite the aggression, ships continue to unload their cargo around the clock, and the reception and unloading programs have not been affected, thanks to God, and then thanks to the competence of the technical and navigational cadres working in the port. In this regard, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mohammed Qahim , and the Governor of Hodeida, Abdullah Atifi, reviewed the emergency plans and procedures implemented to continue the operational course of services, contain damages, and carry out emergency maintenance work, following the Zionist aggression on vital port facilities.
Technical and engineering teams, comprised of national cadres and experts, have also begun the process of restoring Sana'a International Airport's readiness and operation as soon as possible to provide humanitarian services and facilitate the return of stranded and ill people abroad.
An expanded meeting chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Miftah discussed the emergency action plan to restore the airport's operational and technical readiness, the tasks of the technical and engineering committees, and the requirements necessary to complete the work and resume receiving civilian flights as soon as possible.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Electricity, Energy and Water, Dr. Ali Saif, and the Mayor of the Capital, Dr. Hamoud Obad, inspected the damage caused by the Israeli aggression targeting the Dhahban Central Power Station and the complete destruction of its facilities.
Regarding the damage to the Amran and Bajel cement factories, the Minister of Economy, Industry and Investment, Eng. Maeen Al-Mahaqri , directed the leadership of the Yemeni Cement Manufacturing and Marketing Corporation and the cement factory administrations to quickly prepare technical reports on the extent of the damage and develop plans for the next phase of repairs and rehabilitation based on a realistic vision and precise methodological standards, and to prepare the work and emergency teams to begin work as soon as possible.
On the political front, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates continued to send messages to the international community regarding the Israeli aggression on civilian facilities, which resulted in the destruction of vital national assets, including Sana'a International Airport, the port of Hodeidah, the cement factories "Bajil and Amran", and the power plants "Hiziz and Dhahban". The Ministry called for immediate measures to hold Israel accountable, as it sought, by targeting these civilian facilities, to paralyze Yemen's ability to withstand and inflict extreme suffering on its people.
Foreign Minister Gamal Amer also briefed the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the dangerous and disturbing developments in the aggressive U.S. airstrikes that deliberately targeted Ras Isa Port, a vital artery for oil derivatives and domestic gas shipments.
The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights called on the Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to halt the aggression against Yemen and fulfill its duty to implement the rules for protecting civilians from genocide in accordance with relevant international agreements. The Ministry stressed that these crimes do not expire with a statute of limitations, and that it will continue to monitor all crimes and violations committed by the aggression against Yemen in preparation for the trial of the entity and its supporters, and to prosecute them in national and international courts.
In the context of communicating with international organizations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates delivered a letter addressed to the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Julian Harens , to UN Secretary-General António Guterres , expressing the Yemeni government's dissatisfaction with the continued suspension of humanitarian aid in Saada Governorate. He warned that the continued suspension could negatively impact relations with the UN.
As part of his follow-up of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' work, Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahwi met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The meeting emphasized the importance of the ministry intensifying its engagement with the international community and effective institutional frameworks in the field of justice and human rights regarding the crimes of the US-Israeli aggression and their direct impact on the basic needs of the Yemeni people.
The Prime Minister also discussed with the Minister of Oil and Minerals, Dr. Abdullah Al-Amir, the implications of the US-Israeli attack on oil facilities in the ports of Hodeida and Ras Isa, and the ministry's plan to address the repercussions and ensure citizens' petroleum needs are met.
Coordination between service agencies
In the context of coordination between service providers, a memorandum of understanding was signed in Sana'a regarding the coordination mechanism between service providers when implementing infrastructure projects. The agreement includes legal procedures that coordinate and regulate work between the relevant parties during the implementation of various service and development projects.
The mechanism aims to enhance coordination between government agencies to ensure the implementation of infrastructure projects (maintenance, improvements, excavations, new expansion construction) without interference or damage to public facilities.
Basic services
The government has made significant efforts to ensure the availability of petroleum products following the targeting of the Ras Isa oil port by the U.S. aggression. This effort culminated in the resumption of pumping operations of gasoline and diesel from ships to tankers and their redirection to various governorates to supply filling stations with petroleum products following the completion of maintenance work to rehabilitate the filling platforms at the Ras Isa oil port, which had sustained severe damage as a result of repeated aerial bombardment.
The Yemeni Oil Company reassured citizens that petroleum products are available, stressing its commitment to ensuring supply stability and meeting citizens' needs under all circumstances.
To promote rural development in the health sector, the Ministry of Health and Environment, represented by the Yemeni Midwifery Program in the Population Sector, in coordination with the Higher Institute of Health Sciences, celebrated the graduation of 188 midwives from the governorates of Marib, Raymah, Amran, Ibb, Taiz, Bayda, and Hodeida, after three years of training. The goal is to improve maternal and newborn health services, particularly in remote and isolated areas.
On the service front, a meeting chaired by the Minister of Electricity, Energy, and Water, Dr. Ali Saif, discussed ways to ensure the continuity of water and sanitation services within the government's program, simplify procedures for citizens in accordance with regulations and bylaws, increase water and sanitation coverage in the capital and governorates, and resolve problems through the implementation of related projects and activities.
A meeting at the Ministry of Local and Rural Development and Administration also discussed ways to support the public hygiene system and encourage community initiatives in the capital and governorates. It also discussed implementing awareness campaigns in schools, universities, institutes, and mosques to educate about the importance of hygiene in achieving a safe environment free of epidemics. It also discussed adhering to hygiene regulations and procedures, disposing of waste on time to its designated locations, and taking measures to recycle solid waste and dispose of waste according to proper procedures.
In Taiz Governorate, Minister of Transport and Public Works Mohammed Qahim and Acting Governor Ahmed Al-Masawi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several road projects worth 3.89 billion riyals, funded by the local authority.
Preventing firewood cutting and finding alternatives
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has begun implementing a project to plant one million seedlings during the current agricultural season, in addition to planting 100,000 jujube seedlings in Tihama and Saada. It has also established new nurseries in governorates that lacked them, particularly Jawf, to strengthen the agricultural sector's infrastructure.
Through the National Committee for Economic Empowerment, the government is working on parallel tracks to find sustainable alternatives for those who rely on logging as a source of income, prevent excessive logging, and raise environmental awareness of its risks and harms.
It also works to exploit the autumn season to expand green areas, provide seeds for salam and jujube trees, and expand seedling production to create a sustainable environment within the afforestation season and plans to enhance vegetation cover in various governorates.
Encouraging productive families and entrepreneurs
The government, in accordance with its program, is working to implement policies that encourage small and medium-sized enterprises and create the necessary conditions for them. In this context, Prime Minister Ahmed Al-Rahwi discussed with the Minister of Economy, Industry and Investment, Eng. Moeen Al-Mahqari, aspects related to establishing an electronic platform to display and market the products of productive families, entrepreneurs, and small and micro enterprises.
The platform is scheduled to be launched soon, free of charge, for all relevant stakeholders (local products, entrepreneurs, and small and micro enterprises). The ministry is currently undertaking the implementation and technical procedures to establish the platform, which will help simplify procedures and promote local products, businesses, and projects of this type.
Construction and development
As part of the government's efforts to build and develop, the local authority in Taiz launched field and technical work on the urban planning and settlements project, aiming to complete 37 detailed plans. This is part of its efforts to create an investment-friendly environment, implement urban planning that takes into account safe urban expansion, and integrate informal settlements using innovative solutions that preserve citizens' rights, keep pace with population growth, and support basic services.
Boycott American and Israeli goods
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in coordination with the Boycott Committee, has made progress in boycotting American and Israeli goods, developing plans focused on boosting local production and providing alternatives. Traders and importers have been given three months to dispose of American products currently in their warehouses, with the names of the products subject to the boycott to be announced within a week.
The Ministry is working to find suitable alternatives from other countries not included in the boycott, and to support and expand the local production base to ensure the availability of national alternatives that meet demand, as part of an integrated plan to achieve self-sufficiency.
Strengthening the capabilities of cadres
In an effort to enhance institutional performance and strengthen the capabilities of staff, government agencies continue to implement training programs in this regard. A course concluded at the Ministry of Youth and Sports as part of the training program for lectures by the leader of the revolution, Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, from the lessons of the covenant of Imam Ali - peace be upon him - to Malik al-Ashtar. The course was organized by the National Center for Capacity Building and Decision Support, and targeted 60 participants over 12 days from leaders and employees of the Ministry, the Youth and Children Care Fund, and affiliated entities.
Merge and update service units
The government continues to work to lay the foundations for a modern institutional framework, address inflation, and eliminate organizational and functional shortcomings. At its meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, the Supreme Committee for the Merger and Modernization of Public Service Units reviewed the results of the work of the sectoral technical committees tasked with the merger and modernization of public service units, as well as the tasks completed and remaining, and took appropriate decisions regarding them.
It reviewed the draft organizational structures and regulations for the Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Transport and Public Works, prepared by the sectoral technical committees, and approved their referral for final review before submitting them to the relevant authorities to complete the procedures for their issuance in accordance with the applicable laws.
This vital path includes the process of integration and modernization of the organizational structure, human resources, material and financial capabilities, the covenant and financial obligations of public service units to and from them, systems, information technology, databases and networks, in addition to legal obligations and documents.
In this context, the Prime Minister met with Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Samir Bajaala to discuss the mechanism for merging humanitarian affairs branches with the Ministry of Social Affairs offices and the level of assistance provided to those affected by the aggression.
Over the past few months, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has provided relief and assistance to many groups affected by natural disasters and aggression, opened channels of communication with international organizations, and strengthened the role of local authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources' plan includes developing the organizational structure, automating information and services, and revising policies and work methods to enhance public-private integration. The ministry has expanded its services from 50 to 130, and is currently working to activate the remaining services, which will reach 240 in the next phase.
Anti-corruption and performance evaluation
In implementation of the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Law and its executive regulations, and in line with the contents of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022-2026, and the directives of the Government of Change and Construction, the Supreme National Anti-Corruption Authority, in partnership with the Ministry of Administration and Local and Rural Development, launched the work of the joint team to implement the necessary preventive measures to address the most prominent manifestations of irregularities in local authority units at the central, governorate, and directorate levels.
The Authority has prepared a matrix that includes the necessary preventive measures to address the most prominent manifestations of imbalances in local authority units at the central, governorate, and directorate levels.
Teams comprising representatives from oversight agencies, the Ministries of Civil Service and Communications, and the Prime Minister's Office are scheduled to begin field visits mid-week to assess the status of public service delivery centers, methods, and manuals across units and institutions within the state's administrative apparatus.
The evaluation process will lead to further improvement and development phases within the framework of enhancing the performance of public service units in terms of the services they provide to their clients, thus strengthening the relationship and trust between citizens and the state.
The evaluation process will focus on key areas, including the efficiency of service delivery centers, the level of responsiveness and transparency in dealing with beneficiaries, measuring the effectiveness of service delivery mechanisms, methods, and channels, the level of competence and qualification of service center personnel, the mechanism for receiving and resolving citizen complaints and grievances regarding the services provided, the mechanism for monitoring the completion of transactions, and the availability of physical infrastructure and technical equipment at service delivery centers in public units.
For its part, the Ministry of Local Administration and Rural Development organized a workshop to discuss a project to simplify procedures and improve and enhance performance at public works offices, benefiting citizens, especially small business owners.
The project is the result of the work of a joint research team from the Ministries of Administration and Local and Rural Development, Economy and Industry, Transport and Public Works, the Capital Municipality, Sana'a Governorate, and other relevant authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is implementing a program to correct policies and work methods in the management and development of water resources to benefit from rainwater harvesting and to protect and regulate resources and the basic necessities of life from the risks of water depletion and pollution.
Preserving archaeological sites
As part of the government's efforts to preserve historic buildings and monuments that will remain a symbol and witness to Yemen's rich cultural heritage, a partnership agreement was signed between the Heritage and Cultural Development Fund and the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities to implement a project to restore and maintain a number of historic buildings and monuments in two phases. The first phase includes the restoration and maintenance of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism building in Tahrir, the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities, the Sana'a Heritage House, and the historic Dar Al-Hamad building. The second phase includes the restoration and maintenance of a number of historic buildings, forts, and castles.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is currently implementing a maintenance and restoration project for the National Museum's western wall, with support and funding from the Heritage and Cultural Development Fund, which covers 85 percent of the cost, and the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums, which covers 15 percent.
As part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's plans to preserve historic cities, work has begun on a project to connect the underground electrical grid to the historic city of Zabid. The project aims to protect the city from any damage that may result from the uncontrolled laying of electrical cables, as well as to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the historic city, which, upon completion of the project, will be the first city in the country to have its electricity connected via underground cables.
Caring for retirees and people with special needs
The government pays special attention to retirees in appreciation of their long-standing service to the nation. In this regard, the General Authority for Social Security and Pensions has begun disbursing the first half of February 2021 pensions to civilian retirees under the temporary exceptional mechanism to support the state employees' bills.
In the context of the interest in providing services for people with special needs, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Samir Bajaala discussed with the Country Director of Handicap in Yemen, Reshma Azmi, the possibility of implementing a treatment center project for the disabled in Ibb Governorate, completing the health center in Hajjah Governorate, and providing the needs of the physical therapy center scheduled to be established in the capital, Sana'a, in addition to continuing to provide services to the physical therapy centers previously established in Hodeida Governorate.
The government has taken the necessary measures to overcome multiple challenges, while simultaneously addressing existing shortcomings, modernizing and developing institutional performance, implementing projects, addressing the difficulties citizens face in their daily lives, and facilitating the completion of their transactions.
The Government of Change and Construction faced numerous challenges last week amid escalating U.S. and Israeli aggression. It exerted significant efforts to overcome these challenges and mitigate their impact on citizens.
In the context of confronting the American aggression against our country and defending the oppressed Palestinian people, the armed forces targeted the Lod "Ben Gurion" airport in the occupied Jaffa area and "Ramon" airport in the Umm al-Rashrash area in southern occupied Palestine, and a vital target for the Zionist enemy in occupied Jaffa, the American aircraft carrier "Truman" and a number of its warships.
The Republic of Yemen is waging the battle of "the promised conquest and holy jihad" in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza, based on its humanitarian, moral and religious principles. The Government of Change and Reconstruction said in a statement, "Yemen is active in the battle and is hurting the enemy. Its military capabilities are developing with every aggression. We cannot stand by and watch the Israeli-American enemy commit the crime of genocide in Gaza, and we cannot turn a blind eye to their attempts to impose the equation of violating the nation, starting with Lebanon and Syria."
Historic victory
The operations of the armed forces, their response to aggression, and the military achievements they have achieved, including the downing of American drones and F-18 aircraft. Targeting American aircraft carriers and their naval assets forced the US to halt its aggression after failing to achieve its military objectives.
According to the spokesman for the Government of Change and Construction, Minister of Information Hashem Sharaf al-Din, this victory represented a major shift in the balance of power in favor of Yemen, which was able to compel America to halt its aggression and cease its attacks. One of the immediate results of this victory was the growing leadership role and international influence of Sana'a, which spearheaded this victory and demonstrated its ability to confront major powers.
ban on Israeli air navigation
Last week, the armed forces announced a comprehensive ban on air travel to and from Israeli airports, most notably Lod Airport, known in Israel as Ben Gurion Airport, in response to the Israeli escalation and expansion of operations in Gaza.
Accordingly, the Humanitarian Coordination Centre (HOCC) directed Official notifications have been issued to civil aviation authorities and international airlines regarding the high risks to air navigation at Israeli airports, given the security risks that include ongoing missile attacks.
Confronting the repercussions of aggression on infrastructure
Following the US-Israeli aggression on Sana'a Airport, the ports of Hodeida and Ras Issa, the Bajil and Amran cement factories, and power stations and transformers in the capital, Sana'a, the government mobilized efforts to rehabilitate the airport and ports and resume services.
Engineering and technical personnel have begun rehabilitating the damaged docks at Hodeida Port at an accelerated pace, aiming to complete the project within a short period of time, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods.
Despite the aggression, ships continue to unload their cargo around the clock, and the reception and unloading programs have not been affected, thanks to God, and then thanks to the competence of the technical and navigational cadres working in the port. In this regard, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mohammed Qahim , and the Governor of Hodeida, Abdullah Atifi, reviewed the emergency plans and procedures implemented to continue the operational course of services, contain damages, and carry out emergency maintenance work, following the Zionist aggression on vital port facilities.
Technical and engineering teams, comprised of national cadres and experts, have also begun the process of restoring Sana'a International Airport's readiness and operation as soon as possible to provide humanitarian services and facilitate the return of stranded and ill people abroad.
An expanded meeting chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Miftah discussed the emergency action plan to restore the airport's operational and technical readiness, the tasks of the technical and engineering committees, and the requirements necessary to complete the work and resume receiving civilian flights as soon as possible.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Electricity, Energy and Water, Dr. Ali Saif, and the Mayor of the Capital, Dr. Hamoud Obad, inspected the damage caused by the Israeli aggression targeting the Dhahban Central Power Station and the complete destruction of its facilities.
Regarding the damage to the Amran and Bajel cement factories, the Minister of Economy, Industry and Investment, Eng. Maeen Al-Mahaqri , directed the leadership of the Yemeni Cement Manufacturing and Marketing Corporation and the cement factory administrations to quickly prepare technical reports on the extent of the damage and develop plans for the next phase of repairs and rehabilitation based on a realistic vision and precise methodological standards, and to prepare the work and emergency teams to begin work as soon as possible.
On the political front, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates continued to send messages to the international community regarding the Israeli aggression on civilian facilities, which resulted in the destruction of vital national assets, including Sana'a International Airport, the port of Hodeidah, the cement factories "Bajil and Amran", and the power plants "Hiziz and Dhahban". The Ministry called for immediate measures to hold Israel accountable, as it sought, by targeting these civilian facilities, to paralyze Yemen's ability to withstand and inflict extreme suffering on its people.
Foreign Minister Gamal Amer also briefed the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the dangerous and disturbing developments in the aggressive U.S. airstrikes that deliberately targeted Ras Isa Port, a vital artery for oil derivatives and domestic gas shipments.
The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights called on the Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to halt the aggression against Yemen and fulfill its duty to implement the rules for protecting civilians from genocide in accordance with relevant international agreements. The Ministry stressed that these crimes do not expire with a statute of limitations, and that it will continue to monitor all crimes and violations committed by the aggression against Yemen in preparation for the trial of the entity and its supporters, and to prosecute them in national and international courts.
In the context of communicating with international organizations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates delivered a letter addressed to the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Julian Harens , to UN Secretary-General António Guterres , expressing the Yemeni government's dissatisfaction with the continued suspension of humanitarian aid in Saada Governorate. He warned that the continued suspension could negatively impact relations with the UN.
As part of his follow-up of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' work, Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahwi met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The meeting emphasized the importance of the ministry intensifying its engagement with the international community and effective institutional frameworks in the field of justice and human rights regarding the crimes of the US-Israeli aggression and their direct impact on the basic needs of the Yemeni people.
The Prime Minister also discussed with the Minister of Oil and Minerals, Dr. Abdullah Al-Amir, the implications of the US-Israeli attack on oil facilities in the ports of Hodeida and Ras Isa, and the ministry's plan to address the repercussions and ensure citizens' petroleum needs are met.
Coordination between service agencies
In the context of coordination between service providers, a memorandum of understanding was signed in Sana'a regarding the coordination mechanism between service providers when implementing infrastructure projects. The agreement includes legal procedures that coordinate and regulate work between the relevant parties during the implementation of various service and development projects.
The mechanism aims to enhance coordination between government agencies to ensure the implementation of infrastructure projects (maintenance, improvements, excavations, new expansion construction) without interference or damage to public facilities.
Basic services
The government has made significant efforts to ensure the availability of petroleum products following the targeting of the Ras Isa oil port by the U.S. aggression. This effort culminated in the resumption of pumping operations of gasoline and diesel from ships to tankers and their redirection to various governorates to supply filling stations with petroleum products following the completion of maintenance work to rehabilitate the filling platforms at the Ras Isa oil port, which had sustained severe damage as a result of repeated aerial bombardment.
The Yemeni Oil Company reassured citizens that petroleum products are available, stressing its commitment to ensuring supply stability and meeting citizens' needs under all circumstances.
To promote rural development in the health sector, the Ministry of Health and Environment, represented by the Yemeni Midwifery Program in the Population Sector, in coordination with the Higher Institute of Health Sciences, celebrated the graduation of 188 midwives from the governorates of Marib, Raymah, Amran, Ibb, Taiz, Bayda, and Hodeida, after three years of training. The goal is to improve maternal and newborn health services, particularly in remote and isolated areas.
On the service front, a meeting chaired by the Minister of Electricity, Energy, and Water, Dr. Ali Saif, discussed ways to ensure the continuity of water and sanitation services within the government's program, simplify procedures for citizens in accordance with regulations and bylaws, increase water and sanitation coverage in the capital and governorates, and resolve problems through the implementation of related projects and activities.
A meeting at the Ministry of Local and Rural Development and Administration also discussed ways to support the public hygiene system and encourage community initiatives in the capital and governorates. It also discussed implementing awareness campaigns in schools, universities, institutes, and mosques to educate about the importance of hygiene in achieving a safe environment free of epidemics. It also discussed adhering to hygiene regulations and procedures, disposing of waste on time to its designated locations, and taking measures to recycle solid waste and dispose of waste according to proper procedures.
In Taiz Governorate, Minister of Transport and Public Works Mohammed Qahim and Acting Governor Ahmed Al-Masawi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several road projects worth 3.89 billion riyals, funded by the local authority.
Preventing firewood cutting and finding alternatives
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has begun implementing a project to plant one million seedlings during the current agricultural season, in addition to planting 100,000 jujube seedlings in Tihama and Saada. It has also established new nurseries in governorates that lacked them, particularly Jawf, to strengthen the agricultural sector's infrastructure.
Through the National Committee for Economic Empowerment, the government is working on parallel tracks to find sustainable alternatives for those who rely on logging as a source of income, prevent excessive logging, and raise environmental awareness of its risks and harms.
It also works to exploit the autumn season to expand green areas, provide seeds for salam and jujube trees, and expand seedling production to create a sustainable environment within the afforestation season and plans to enhance vegetation cover in various governorates.
Encouraging productive families and entrepreneurs
The government, in accordance with its program, is working to implement policies that encourage small and medium-sized enterprises and create the necessary conditions for them. In this context, Prime Minister Ahmed Al-Rahwi discussed with the Minister of Economy, Industry and Investment, Eng. Moeen Al-Mahqari, aspects related to establishing an electronic platform to display and market the products of productive families, entrepreneurs, and small and micro enterprises.
The platform is scheduled to be launched soon, free of charge, for all relevant stakeholders (local products, entrepreneurs, and small and micro enterprises). The ministry is currently undertaking the implementation and technical procedures to establish the platform, which will help simplify procedures and promote local products, businesses, and projects of this type.
Construction and development
As part of the government's efforts to build and develop, the local authority in Taiz launched field and technical work on the urban planning and settlements project, aiming to complete 37 detailed plans. This is part of its efforts to create an investment-friendly environment, implement urban planning that takes into account safe urban expansion, and integrate informal settlements using innovative solutions that preserve citizens' rights, keep pace with population growth, and support basic services.
Boycott American and Israeli goods
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in coordination with the Boycott Committee, has made progress in boycotting American and Israeli goods, developing plans focused on boosting local production and providing alternatives. Traders and importers have been given three months to dispose of American products currently in their warehouses, with the names of the products subject to the boycott to be announced within a week.
The Ministry is working to find suitable alternatives from other countries not included in the boycott, and to support and expand the local production base to ensure the availability of national alternatives that meet demand, as part of an integrated plan to achieve self-sufficiency.
Strengthening the capabilities of cadres
In an effort to enhance institutional performance and strengthen the capabilities of staff, government agencies continue to implement training programs in this regard. A course concluded at the Ministry of Youth and Sports as part of the training program for lectures by the leader of the revolution, Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, from the lessons of the covenant of Imam Ali - peace be upon him - to Malik al-Ashtar. The course was organized by the National Center for Capacity Building and Decision Support, and targeted 60 participants over 12 days from leaders and employees of the Ministry, the Youth and Children Care Fund, and affiliated entities.
Merge and update service units
The government continues to work to lay the foundations for a modern institutional framework, address inflation, and eliminate organizational and functional shortcomings. At its meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, the Supreme Committee for the Merger and Modernization of Public Service Units reviewed the results of the work of the sectoral technical committees tasked with the merger and modernization of public service units, as well as the tasks completed and remaining, and took appropriate decisions regarding them.
It reviewed the draft organizational structures and regulations for the Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Transport and Public Works, prepared by the sectoral technical committees, and approved their referral for final review before submitting them to the relevant authorities to complete the procedures for their issuance in accordance with the applicable laws.
This vital path includes the process of integration and modernization of the organizational structure, human resources, material and financial capabilities, the covenant and financial obligations of public service units to and from them, systems, information technology, databases and networks, in addition to legal obligations and documents.
In this context, the Prime Minister met with Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Samir Bajaala to discuss the mechanism for merging humanitarian affairs branches with the Ministry of Social Affairs offices and the level of assistance provided to those affected by the aggression.
Over the past few months, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has provided relief and assistance to many groups affected by natural disasters and aggression, opened channels of communication with international organizations, and strengthened the role of local authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources' plan includes developing the organizational structure, automating information and services, and revising policies and work methods to enhance public-private integration. The ministry has expanded its services from 50 to 130, and is currently working to activate the remaining services, which will reach 240 in the next phase.
Anti-corruption and performance evaluation
In implementation of the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Law and its executive regulations, and in line with the contents of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022-2026, and the directives of the Government of Change and Construction, the Supreme National Anti-Corruption Authority, in partnership with the Ministry of Administration and Local and Rural Development, launched the work of the joint team to implement the necessary preventive measures to address the most prominent manifestations of irregularities in local authority units at the central, governorate, and directorate levels.
The Authority has prepared a matrix that includes the necessary preventive measures to address the most prominent manifestations of imbalances in local authority units at the central, governorate, and directorate levels.
Teams comprising representatives from oversight agencies, the Ministries of Civil Service and Communications, and the Prime Minister's Office are scheduled to begin field visits mid-week to assess the status of public service delivery centers, methods, and manuals across units and institutions within the state's administrative apparatus.
The evaluation process will lead to further improvement and development phases within the framework of enhancing the performance of public service units in terms of the services they provide to their clients, thus strengthening the relationship and trust between citizens and the state.
The evaluation process will focus on key areas, including the efficiency of service delivery centers, the level of responsiveness and transparency in dealing with beneficiaries, measuring the effectiveness of service delivery mechanisms, methods, and channels, the level of competence and qualification of service center personnel, the mechanism for receiving and resolving citizen complaints and grievances regarding the services provided, the mechanism for monitoring the completion of transactions, and the availability of physical infrastructure and technical equipment at service delivery centers in public units.
For its part, the Ministry of Local Administration and Rural Development organized a workshop to discuss a project to simplify procedures and improve and enhance performance at public works offices, benefiting citizens, especially small business owners.
The project is the result of the work of a joint research team from the Ministries of Administration and Local and Rural Development, Economy and Industry, Transport and Public Works, the Capital Municipality, Sana'a Governorate, and other relevant authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is implementing a program to correct policies and work methods in the management and development of water resources to benefit from rainwater harvesting and to protect and regulate resources and the basic necessities of life from the risks of water depletion and pollution.
Preserving archaeological sites
As part of the government's efforts to preserve historic buildings and monuments that will remain a symbol and witness to Yemen's rich cultural heritage, a partnership agreement was signed between the Heritage and Cultural Development Fund and the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities to implement a project to restore and maintain a number of historic buildings and monuments in two phases. The first phase includes the restoration and maintenance of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism building in Tahrir, the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities, the Sana'a Heritage House, and the historic Dar Al-Hamad building. The second phase includes the restoration and maintenance of a number of historic buildings, forts, and castles.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is currently implementing a maintenance and restoration project for the National Museum's western wall, with support and funding from the Heritage and Cultural Development Fund, which covers 85 percent of the cost, and the General Authority for Antiquities and Museums, which covers 15 percent.
As part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's plans to preserve historic cities, work has begun on a project to connect the underground electrical grid to the historic city of Zabid. The project aims to protect the city from any damage that may result from the uncontrolled laying of electrical cables, as well as to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the historic city, which, upon completion of the project, will be the first city in the country to have its electricity connected via underground cables.
Caring for retirees and people with special needs
The government pays special attention to retirees in appreciation of their long-standing service to the nation. In this regard, the General Authority for Social Security and Pensions has begun disbursing the first half of February 2021 pensions to civilian retirees under the temporary exceptional mechanism to support the state employees' bills.
In the context of the interest in providing services for people with special needs, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Samir Bajaala discussed with the Country Director of Handicap in Yemen, Reshma Azmi, the possibility of implementing a treatment center project for the disabled in Ibb Governorate, completing the health center in Hajjah Governorate, and providing the needs of the physical therapy center scheduled to be established in the capital, Sana'a, in addition to continuing to provide services to the physical therapy centers previously established in Hodeida Governorate.
The government has taken the necessary measures to overcome multiple challenges, while simultaneously addressing existing shortcomings, modernizing and developing institutional performance, implementing projects, addressing the difficulties citizens face in their daily lives, and facilitating the completion of their transactions.